Now available on Netflix, there's no excuse to miss 'The Sinner'
***NO SPOILERS
With all the streaming services and the increased number of cord-cutters, less people are watching cable television than ever before. I’m not complaining about that. I’m spending less money on a combination of Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and HBO than I ever spent on cable.
But there is a downside. These streaming services typically have superior programming to what the cable channels are putting out these days, but occasionally, a gem will fall through the cracks. In this case, it was an eight episode mini-series called The Sinner.
Originally airing on the USA Network, The Sinner is now available on Netflix, and I highly encourage you to dive in. Extremely compelling from the very first episode, you’ll binge watch this show whether you plan to or not. You simply won’t be able to pull yourself away.
Jessica Biel plays a young mother named Cora Tannetti who suddenly and unexpectedly kills a man during a family beach outing. The show follows Detective Harry Ambrose (Bill Pullman) as he works out the foggy details of the mysterious crime.
Biel delivers the best performance of her career and has been rewarded for her efforts. She received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film and an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series of Movie.
She lost the Golden Globe to Nicole Kidman (Big Little Lies), but the Emmy could still be hers this September. She’s got some stiff competition in Laura Dern, Michelle Dockery, Edie Falco, Regina King and Sarah Paulson, but on performance alone, I’d say she deserves it.
Biel's character is extremely nuanced and multi-layered, complimented perfectly by the surrounding pieces, especially Christopher Abbott (Girls, A Most Violent Year) who plays her husband on the show. The entire cast shines in this series, but it’s the plot twists and reveals that truly cause The Sinner to stand out.
There seems to be a lull in noteworthy Netflix Originals at the moment, so why not try this on for size? The second season premiers on USA Network Wednesday Aug. 1, giving you that extra serving of satisfaction if you’re left wanting after this season ends.
Join Detective Ambrose on his search for the truth, but be warned. Like him, you won’t be able to walk away until you find it.
